Saying goodbye to the Bangor Auditorium

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - In Bangor, this marks the last tournament for the legendary Bangor Auditorium.

Later this year it will close and be torn down-- and the brand new Cross Insurance Center will open.

For basketball fans in particular, it makes this tournament week a bit sad. The Auditorium is more than 55 years old. It has a history of leaking roofs, and few of the comforts of modern venues. But this place has history... and that's something that won't quickly be replaced.

The old Auditorium has been a home for rock concerts, political conventions and circuses. But more than anything else, the Auditorium has been a home for high school basketball.

More than half a century of tournaments, generations of players have competed here.And despite all its quirks and problems and lack of creature comforts, some of the stars who have played and coached here over the years say they're going to miss this place.

The Maine principals association, which runs the tournaments, got a tour of the new building today. It will be big and bright, with all comfortable, cushioned seats,and great views of the action. But it will be very different from the place they've played for so long.

We talked with former players and coaches, the director of the auditorium, even veteran sports caster Dale Duff...and they all admit its probably time to replace the old auditorium.

And they say it will be up to the fans and the players to make the new one feel like home.